How to Cite a Podcast in APA, MLA & Chicago Format (2026 Guide)

Podcasts have become a goldmine for research. From expert interviews to in-depth discussions on niche topics, they're packed with citable information.

But here's the problem: your professor probably didn't teach you how to cite them.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to cite podcasts in APA, MLA, and Chicago format—with copy-paste templates and real examples. No more guessing or losing points on your reference list.

Table of Contents

• When Should You Cite a Podcast?
• APA Podcast Citation (7th Edition)
• MLA Podcast Citation (9th Edition)
• Chicago Podcast Citation
• How to Find Podcast Information for Citations
• Common Podcast Citation Mistakes
• FAQ

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When Should You Cite a Podcast?

You should cite a podcast whenever you:

• Quote directly from what someone said in an episode
• Paraphrase ideas, statistics, or arguments from a podcast
• Reference an interview or discussion as supporting evidence
• Use information that isn't common knowledge

Podcasts are considered credible sources when hosted by experts, journalists, or produced by reputable organizations. Academic podcasts, NPR programs, and industry-specific shows are generally well-received in research papers.

Tip: If you're unsure whether your professor accepts podcast citations, ask before you submit. Some instructors prefer traditional academic sources.

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APA Podcast Citation (7th Edition)

APA format treats podcast episodes like you would cite other audio/visual media. Here's how to do it:

Single Podcast Episode (Most Common)

Reference List Format:

Host, A. A. (Host). (Year, Month Day). Episode title (No. #) [Audio podcast episode]. In Podcast name. Publisher. URL

Example:

Glass, I. (Host). (2024, March 15). The giant pool of money (No. 355) [Audio podcast episode]. In This American Life. WBEZ Chicago. https://www.thisamericanlife.org/355/the-giant-pool-of-money

In-Text Citation:

(Glass, 2024)

Or in narrative form:

Glass (2024) explained that the housing crisis...

Entire Podcast Series

If you're referencing the podcast as a whole rather than a specific episode:

Reference List Format:

Host, A. A. (Host). (Year–present). Podcast name [Audio podcast]. Publisher. URL

Example:

Rogan, J. (Host). (2009–present). The Joe Rogan Experience [Audio podcast]. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/show/4rOoJ6Egrf8K2IrywzwOMk

APA Podcast Citation Tips

• Use "(Host)" after the host's name if they primarily host rather than produce
• If there's no episode number, leave that part out
• Include the platform or publisher (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, NPR, etc.)
• Always include the URL where you accessed it

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MLA Podcast Citation (9th Edition)

MLA format focuses on containers—the "container" for a podcast episode is the podcast series itself.

Single Podcast Episode

Works Cited Format:

"Episode Title." Podcast Name, hosted by Host Name, season #, episode #, Publisher, Day Month Year. URL.

Example:

"The Giant Pool of Money." This American Life, hosted by Ira Glass, episode 355, WBEZ Chicago, 9 May 2008. www.thisamericanlife.org/355/the-giant-pool-of-money.

In-Text Citation:

("The Giant Pool of Money")

Or with a timestamp:

("The Giant Pool of Money" 00:15:30)

Entire Podcast Series

Works Cited Format:

Host Name. Podcast Name. Publisher, Year–present. URL.

Example:

Glass, Ira. This American Life. WBEZ Chicago, 1995–present. www.thisamericanlife.org.

MLA Podcast Citation Tips

• Episode titles go in quotation marks
• Podcast names are italicized
• Include timestamps in your in-text citation if quoting a specific moment
• Day Month Year format (not Month Day, Year)

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Chicago Podcast Citation

Chicago style has two systems: Notes-Bibliography (common in humanities) and Author-Date (common in sciences). Here's both:

Notes-Bibliography Style

Footnote/Endnote:

1. Host First Name Last Name, host, "Episode Title," episode #, Podcast Name, podcast audio, Month Day, Year, URL.

Example:

1. Ira Glass, host, "The Giant Pool of Money," episode 355, This American Life, podcast audio, May 9, 2008, https://www.thisamericanlife.org/355/the-giant-pool-of-money.

Bibliography Entry:

Glass, Ira, host. "The Giant Pool of Money." Episode 355. This American Life. Podcast audio. May 9, 2008. https://www.thisamericanlife.org/355/the-giant-pool-of-money.

Author-Date Style

Reference List:

Glass, Ira, host. 2008. "The Giant Pool of Money." Episode 355. This American Life. Podcast audio, May 9, 2008. https://www.thisamericanlife.org/355/the-giant-pool-of-money.

In-Text Citation:

(Glass 2008)

Chicago Podcast Citation Tips

• Footnote numbers are superscript in your text
• Include the full URL (don't shorten it)
• "Podcast audio" clarifies the source type

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How to Find Podcast Information for Citations

Here's where to find each element you need:

| Information | Where to Find It | |-------------|------------------| | Host name | Episode description, podcast intro, or "About" page | | Episode title | Listed in your podcast app or website | | Episode number | Episode description (not all podcasts number episodes) | | Podcast name | The series title | | Publisher | The network or production company (NPR, iHeartMedia, etc.) | | Date | Episode release date | | URL | Share link from the podcast platform |

Pro tip: Check the podcast's official website first—it usually has cleaner citation information than streaming apps.

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Common Podcast Citation Mistakes

Avoid these errors that cost students points:

1. Confusing Host and Guest

If you're citing what a guest said, the guest should be the author:

Correct: Obama, B. (2021, June 8). Leadership in crisis times [Interview]. In The Michelle Obama Podcast.
Wrong: Obama, M. (Host). (2021, June 8). Leadership...

2. Missing Episode Numbers

If the podcast has episode numbers, include them. It helps readers find the exact episode.

3. Using the Wrong Date

Use the release date, not the date you listened.

4. Forgetting the URL

Always include how someone can access the episode.

5. Inconsistent Formatting

If you cite one podcast in APA, all sources should be in APA. Don't mix styles.

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Quick Reference: Side-by-Side Comparison

| Element | APA | MLA | Chicago (Notes) | |---------|-----|-----|------------------| | Host placement | First, with "(Host)" | After episode title | First, with "host" | | Episode title | Not in quotes | In "quotes" | In "quotes" | | Podcast name | In italics | In italics | In italics | | Date format | (Year, Month Day) | Day Month Year | Month Day, Year | | URL | Yes | Yes | Yes |

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FAQ

Can I cite a podcast in a research paper?

Yes, podcasts are acceptable sources for many papers—especially when they feature expert guests, original reporting, or academic discussions. Check with your professor if you're unsure about their policy on non-traditional sources.

How do I cite a podcast with multiple hosts?

List all hosts in the order they appear on the podcast. For APA: Glass, I., & Jones, A. (Hosts). For MLA: hosted by Ira Glass and Alex Jones.

What if I can't find the episode number?

Skip it. Not all podcasts number their episodes. Just include the episode title and date instead.

How do I cite a specific timestamp?

In MLA, include the timestamp in your in-text citation: ("Episode Title" 00:12:45). For APA and Chicago, mention the timestamp in your sentence: "At the 12-minute mark, Glass explains..."

Should I include the platform (Spotify, Apple Podcasts)?

Only if that platform is the official/exclusive publisher. Otherwise, list the production company or network.

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